In a statement issued by Lt. Matthew F. Moriarty of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Police Chief James M. Neiswanger said his officers will be fully trained in their use, and they will be deployed out on the streets.

A Taser is a conducted energy device that causes skeletal muscles to contract, immobilizing the suspect.

Tasers are another piece of equipment that will be available in the officers’ tool kit, Morairty said. The Police Department will use tasers when necessary, he said.

City Councilor at Large James M. Leahy, whose brother Patrick Leahy is a Holyoke officer, had unsuccessfully pushed previous Police Chief Anthony R. Scott to acquire Tasers. He praised Neiswanger's willingness to use the tool.

"They have been a long time coming and will reduce the injured on duty line item. This is something I have worked on for many years. Thanks to our chief for bringing them in," Leahy wrote in an email.